Basil Shaaban
Encyclopedia
Basil Shaaban is a Lebanese
racing driver, and was raised primarily in Abu Dhabi
. Shaaban graduated with a Bachelor degree in astrophysics
from the University of California, Berkeley
.
, he enjoyed pushing the car's 5 and 9 hp engine
s to their limits. Finding the racing line and controlling the kart's behavior naturally to him. Each time Shaaban's family went back to Lebanon, he would go to the circuit. Eventually, he worked his way up to driving the circuit's fastest 16 hp, 100 cc, 2-stroke karts.
manufacturer Trackmagic Karts, based in San Francisco, and began racing in the Northern California
region alongside his studies. Over the next few years he won several races, up through the highest level of US karting: Formula ICC.
and Graham Rahal
. Unfortunately, the country's lack of racing experience was apparent as none of the drivers scored any points. However, Shaaban scored Lebanon's highest finishing position of the season in the Feature race in Estoril, Portugal: 11th out of 24 countries.
Shaaban inaugurated A1 Team Lebanon's second season when he raced at the A1GP 2006-2007 season-opener in Zandvoort, Holland.
, Shaaban appealed to companies and investors in the Middle East to enter the arena of international athlete sponsorship by supporting his historic mission.
car at Bedford Autodrome in England
with a view to taking part in the UK-based series in 2007. His fastest lap time put him among the fastest to test the FPA car that year.
, which was his first full season of car racing. He spent his first two seasons (2007-2008) at HBR Motorsport, before moving to Prema Powerteam
for the 2009 season
where he has shown significant improvement, qualifying in the top-six and running in the top-four during the season. At the 55th attempt, Shaaban took both his first top-ten finish and his first Euroseries points for seventh in Barcelona
. In the second race, he started from the front row due to the series' reverse-grid system for the top eight finishers in the first race. Although he was passed by Alexander Sims
, Shaaban held on to finish third.
Another notable result in 2009 was being ranked 12th in the Masters of F3 at Zandvoort
, which brought together the top thirty-six F3 drivers in Europe from the Formula Three Euroseries
, British
, German
, Spanish and Italian
F3 championships.
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
racing driver, and was raised primarily in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi , literally Father of Gazelle, is the capital and the second largest city of the United Arab Emirates in terms of population and the largest of the seven member emirates of the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi lies on a T-shaped island jutting into the Persian Gulf from the central western...
. Shaaban graduated with a Bachelor degree in astrophysics
Astrophysics
Astrophysics is the branch of astronomy that deals with the physics of the universe, including the physical properties of celestial objects, as well as their interactions and behavior...
from the University of California, Berkeley
University of California, Berkeley
The University of California, Berkeley , is a teaching and research university established in 1868 and located in Berkeley, California, USA...
.
Early racing
It was in Lebanon at the age of 14 that Shaaban had his first taste of racing. At the Circuit des Champions go-karting center near BrummanaBrummana
Brummana is a town in the Matn District of the Mount Lebanon Governorate in Lebanon. It is located east of Beirut, overlooking the capital and the Mediterranean.-Overview:...
, he enjoyed pushing the car's 5 and 9 hp engine
Engine
An engine or motor is a machine designed to convert energy into useful mechanical motion. Heat engines, including internal combustion engines and external combustion engines burn a fuel to create heat which is then used to create motion...
s to their limits. Finding the racing line and controlling the kart's behavior naturally to him. Each time Shaaban's family went back to Lebanon, he would go to the circuit. Eventually, he worked his way up to driving the circuit's fastest 16 hp, 100 cc, 2-stroke karts.
Racing in university
Within two years of going to Berkeley, Shaaban could no longer hinder his passion. At that point, he knew he would be happiest as a professional Formula driver. So, in the footsteps of all the great Formula Series drivers, he knew the ladder he had to climb, and thus began his career racing go-karts. He bought a 23 hp, 100 cc kart from the USUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
manufacturer Trackmagic Karts, based in San Francisco, and began racing in the Northern California
Northern California
Northern California is the northern portion of the U.S. state of California. The San Francisco Bay Area , and Sacramento as well as its metropolitan area are the main population centers...
region alongside his studies. Over the next few years he won several races, up through the highest level of US karting: Formula ICC.
Entry into formula cars
After graduating from Berkeley, in 2004 Shaaban began racing in Formula Renault 2000 in the USA and Formula Ford 1800 in the UK. He became the first Arab to win a Formula Ford 1800 race in Europe.A1 Grand Prix
Shaaban was one of A1 Team Lebanon's drivers for the inaugural 2005-2006 season of the series, alongside Khalil BeschirKhalil Beschir
Khalil Beschir, in Bahersaf, Lebanon is a racing driver who represented Lebanon in the A1GP series and raced for A1 Team Lebanon and the only driver who stayed for 3 seasons in row. His father and mother currently have a sports shop in the mountain town of Bikfaya...
and Graham Rahal
Graham Rahal
Graham Rahal is an American race car driver. He currently participates in the IZOD IndyCar Series. He is the son of 1986 Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Rahal.-Early racing:...
. Unfortunately, the country's lack of racing experience was apparent as none of the drivers scored any points. However, Shaaban scored Lebanon's highest finishing position of the season in the Feature race in Estoril, Portugal: 11th out of 24 countries.
Shaaban inaugurated A1 Team Lebanon's second season when he raced at the A1GP 2006-2007 season-opener in Zandvoort, Holland.
Complete A1 Grand Prix results
(Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)| Year | Entrant | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | DC | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005–06 | Lebanon A1 Team Lebanon A1 Team Lebanon is the Lebanese team of A1 Grand Prix, an international racing series.- Management :A1 Team Lebanon's owner is Tameem Auchi.- History :Daniel Morad became the race driver for A1 Team Lebanon for the 2008-09 season... |
GBR SPR 2005-06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Great Britain The 2005–06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Great Britain was a A1 Grand Prix race, held on 25 September 2005 at the Brands Hatch circuit in Kent, England... PO |
GBR FEA 2005-06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Great Britain The 2005–06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Great Britain was a A1 Grand Prix race, held on 25 September 2005 at the Brands Hatch circuit in Kent, England... PO |
GER SPR 2005-06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Germany The 2005–06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Germany was an A1 Grand Prix race, held on the weekend of October 9, 2005 at the EuroSpeedway Lausitz circuit.__FORCETOC__-Practice:... |
GER FEA 2005-06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Germany The 2005–06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Germany was an A1 Grand Prix race, held on the weekend of October 9, 2005 at the EuroSpeedway Lausitz circuit.__FORCETOC__-Practice:... |
POR SPR 2005-06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Portugal The 2005–06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Portugal was a A1 Grand Prix race, held on the weekend of October 23, 2005 at the Autódromo do Estoril circuit.__FORCETOC__-Practice:... 18 |
POR FEA 2005-06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Portugal The 2005–06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Portugal was a A1 Grand Prix race, held on the weekend of October 23, 2005 at the Autódromo do Estoril circuit.__FORCETOC__-Practice:... 11 |
AUS SPR 2005-06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Australia The 2005–06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Australia was an A1 Grand Prix race, held on the weekend of 6 November 2005 at the Eastern Creek Raceway circuit... Ret |
AUS FEA 2005-06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Australia The 2005–06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Australia was an A1 Grand Prix race, held on the weekend of 6 November 2005 at the Eastern Creek Raceway circuit... 12 |
MYS SPR 2005-06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Malaysia The 2005–06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Malaysia was an A1 Grand Prix race, held on the weekend of November 20, 2005 at the Sepang International Circuit.__FORCETOC__- Qualification :... |
MYS FEA 2005-06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Malaysia The 2005–06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Malaysia was an A1 Grand Prix race, held on the weekend of November 20, 2005 at the Sepang International Circuit.__FORCETOC__- Qualification :... |
UAE SPR 2005-06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, United Arab Emirates The 2005-06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, United Arab Emirates was held on the weekend of December 11, 2005 at the Dubai Autodrome.__FORCETOC__-Qualifying:Session One of Qualifying was red-flagged after Salvador Durán of Mexico suffered a bad accident.... Ret |
UAE FEA 2005-06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, United Arab Emirates The 2005-06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, United Arab Emirates was held on the weekend of December 11, 2005 at the Dubai Autodrome.__FORCETOC__-Qualifying:Session One of Qualifying was red-flagged after Salvador Durán of Mexico suffered a bad accident.... 16 |
RSA SPR 2005-06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, South Africa The 2005–06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, South Africa was a A1 Grand Prix race, held on the weekend of January 29, 2006 at a street course in Durban, South Africa. This was the only street course of the 2005-06 A1 Grand Prix season.__FORCETOC__-Practice:... 17 |
RSA FEA 2005-06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, South Africa The 2005–06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, South Africa was a A1 Grand Prix race, held on the weekend of January 29, 2006 at a street course in Durban, South Africa. This was the only street course of the 2005-06 A1 Grand Prix season.__FORCETOC__-Practice:... Ret |
IDN SPR 2005-06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Indonesia The 2005–06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Indonesia is a A1 Grand Prix race, held on the weekend of February 12, 2006 at the Sentul International Circuit.__FORCETOC__-Postponment:... 17 |
IDN FEA 2005-06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Indonesia The 2005–06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Indonesia is a A1 Grand Prix race, held on the weekend of February 12, 2006 at the Sentul International Circuit.__FORCETOC__-Postponment:... Ret |
MEX SPR 2005-06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Mexico The 2005–06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Mexico was a A1 Grand Prix race, held on the weekend of February 26, 2006 at the Fundidora Park Circuit.__FORCETOC__- Qualification :Qualification took place on Saturday, February 25, 2006.- Sprint Race Results :... |
MEX FEA 2005-06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Mexico The 2005–06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Mexico was a A1 Grand Prix race, held on the weekend of February 26, 2006 at the Fundidora Park Circuit.__FORCETOC__- Qualification :Qualification took place on Saturday, February 25, 2006.- Sprint Race Results :... |
USA SPR 2005-06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, United States of America The 2005–06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, United States of America was a A1 Grand Prix race, held on the weekend of March 12, 2006 at Laguna Seca.__FORCETOC__- Report :... |
USA FEA 2005-06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, United States of America The 2005–06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, United States of America was a A1 Grand Prix race, held on the weekend of March 12, 2006 at Laguna Seca.__FORCETOC__- Report :... |
CHN SPR 2005-06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, China The 2005–06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, China was a A1 Grand Prix race, held on the weekend of April 2, 2006 at Shanghai International Circuit.__FORCETOC__-Qualifying:... |
CHN FEA 2005-06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, China The 2005–06 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, China was a A1 Grand Prix race, held on the weekend of April 2, 2006 at Shanghai International Circuit.__FORCETOC__-Qualifying:... |
23rd | 0 |
| 2006–07 | NED SPR 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Netherlands The 2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Netherlands was a A1 Grand Prix race, held on October 1, 2006 at the Circuit Park Zandvoort circuit in Zandvoort, Netherlands... 16 |
NED FEA 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Netherlands The 2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Netherlands was a A1 Grand Prix race, held on October 1, 2006 at the Circuit Park Zandvoort circuit in Zandvoort, Netherlands... Ret |
CZE SPR 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Czech Republic The 2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Czech Republic was an A1 Grand Prix race, held on October 8, 2006 at Masaryk Circuit near Brno, Czech Republic... |
CZE FEA 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Czech Republic The 2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Czech Republic was an A1 Grand Prix race, held on October 8, 2006 at Masaryk Circuit near Brno, Czech Republic... |
CHN SPR 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Beijing, China The 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, China was an A1 Grand Prix race, held on November 12, 2006 at Beijing International Streetcircuit, Beijing, China. It was the third race in the 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix season and the first ever meeting held at the circuit.... 19 |
CHN FEA 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Beijing, China The 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, China was an A1 Grand Prix race, held on November 12, 2006 at Beijing International Streetcircuit, Beijing, China. It was the third race in the 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix season and the first ever meeting held at the circuit.... 13 |
MYS SPR 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Malaysia The 2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Malaysia is an A1 Grand Prix race, to be held on November 26, 2006 at Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia... |
MYS FEA 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Malaysia The 2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Malaysia is an A1 Grand Prix race, to be held on November 26, 2006 at Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia... |
IDN SPR 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Indonesia The 2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Indonesia is an A1 Grand Prix race, to be held on December 10, 2006 at Sentul International Circuit, Indonesia... 19 |
IDN FEA 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Indonesia The 2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Indonesia is an A1 Grand Prix race, to be held on December 10, 2006 at Sentul International Circuit, Indonesia... Ret |
NZL SPR 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, New Zealand The 2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, New Zealand is an A1 Grand Prix race, held on January 21, 2007 at Taupo Motorsport Park, New Zealand. The sixth race in the 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix season and the first meeting held at the circuit.__FORCETOC__... |
NZL FEA 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, New Zealand The 2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, New Zealand is an A1 Grand Prix race, held on January 21, 2007 at Taupo Motorsport Park, New Zealand. The sixth race in the 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix season and the first meeting held at the circuit.__FORCETOC__... |
AUS SPR 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Australia The 2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Australia is an A1 Grand Prix race, to be held on 4 February 2007 at Eastern Creek Raceway, Australia. This was the seventh race in the 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix season and the second meeting held at the circuit.__FORCETOC__... |
AUS FEA 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Australia The 2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Australia is an A1 Grand Prix race, to be held on 4 February 2007 at Eastern Creek Raceway, Australia. This was the seventh race in the 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix season and the second meeting held at the circuit.__FORCETOC__... |
RSA SPR 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, South Africa The 2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, South Africa is an A1 Grand Prix race, held on 25 February 2007 at Durban street circuit, South Africa... |
RSA FEA 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, South Africa The 2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, South Africa is an A1 Grand Prix race, held on 25 February 2007 at Durban street circuit, South Africa... |
MEX SPR 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Mexico The 2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Mexico is an A1 Grand Prix race, held on March 25, 2007 at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Mexico. This was the ninth race in the 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix season and the first meeting held at the circuit.__FORCETOC__... |
MEX FEA 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Mexico The 2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Mexico is an A1 Grand Prix race, held on March 25, 2007 at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Mexico. This was the ninth race in the 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix season and the first meeting held at the circuit.__FORCETOC__... |
CHN SPR 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Shanghai, China The 2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Shanghai, China is an A1 Grand Prix race, held on April 15, 2007 at the Shanghai International Circuit, China... |
CHN FEA 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Shanghai, China The 2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Shanghai, China is an A1 Grand Prix race, held on April 15, 2007 at the Shanghai International Circuit, China... |
GBR SPR 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Great Britain The 2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Great Britain was an A1 Grand Prix race, held on 29 April 2007 at Brands Hatch, Great Britain. This was the eleventh and final race in the 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix season and the second meeting held at the circuit.... |
GBR SPR 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Great Britain The 2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Great Britain was an A1 Grand Prix race, held on 29 April 2007 at Brands Hatch, Great Britain. This was the eleventh and final race in the 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix season and the second meeting held at the circuit.... |
23rd | 0 |
SHAABAN2F1
Shaaban officially announced in October 2006 his bid to become the first Arab to reach Formula One through his program SHAABAN2F1. At a press briefing that he held in Dubai, which was supported by the presence and endorsement of 14-time Middle East Rally Champion Mohammed Ben SulayemMohammed Ben Sulayem
'"Mohammed Ahmed bin Sulayem" "Mohammed ben Sulayem" is a UAE champion rally driver who lives in Dubai and is one the Arab world’s most famous sportsmen....
, Shaaban appealed to companies and investors in the Middle East to enter the arena of international athlete sponsorship by supporting his historic mission.
Formula Palmer Audi
On 1 February 2007, Shaaban tested a Formula Palmer AudiFormula Palmer Audi
Formula Palmer Audi, officially abbreviated to FPA, and sometimes informally abbreviated to Palmer Audi, was a one-make class of open wheel Formula racing founded in 1998 by former Formula One driver, Jonathan Palmer. It was based in the United Kingdom , and was organised and operated by MotorSport...
car at Bedford Autodrome in England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
with a view to taking part in the UK-based series in 2007. His fastest lap time put him among the fastest to test the FPA car that year.
Formula Three Euroseries
Shaaban has competed in the series since 20072007 Formula Three Euroseries season
The 2007 Formula 3 Euro Series season was the fifth championship year of Europe’s premier Formula Three series. As in previous years, the championships took place over ten rounds – each with two races – held at a variety of European circuits. Each weekend consisted of one 60-minute practice session...
, which was his first full season of car racing. He spent his first two seasons (2007-2008) at HBR Motorsport, before moving to Prema Powerteam
Prema Powerteam
Prema Powerteam is a motorsports team from Italy. It currently operates in the World Series by Renault, but has also taken part in Formula Three Euroseries and Italian Formula 3. The team was founded in 1984. Also this team was a part of Toyota Driver Programme.-Formula Three Euroseries:-World...
for the 2009 season
2009 Formula Three Euroseries season
The 2009 Formula 3 Euro Series season was the seventh championship year of the Formula 3 Euro Series. The series consisted of ten double-header meetings beginning at Hockenheim on May 16 and ending at the same venue on October 25...
where he has shown significant improvement, qualifying in the top-six and running in the top-four during the season. At the 55th attempt, Shaaban took both his first top-ten finish and his first Euroseries points for seventh in Barcelona
Circuit de Catalunya
The Circuit de Catalunya is a racetrack in Montmeló, to the north of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. With long straights and a variety of corners, the Circuit de Catalunya is seen as an all-rounder circuit.-History:...
. In the second race, he started from the front row due to the series' reverse-grid system for the top eight finishers in the first race. Although he was passed by Alexander Sims
Alexander Sims (racing driver)
Alexander Sims is a British racing driver. He currently resides in Wansford. Sims is currently racing in GP3 Series with Status Grand Prix. He was the winner of the 2008 McLaren Autosport BRDC Award for promising young British drivers...
, Shaaban held on to finish third.
Another notable result in 2009 was being ranked 12th in the Masters of F3 at Zandvoort
Masters of Formula 3
The Masters of Formula 3 is a Formula Three race held annually, usually at the Circuit Park Zandvoort in the Netherlands. Due to noise restrictions in the Zandvoort area, the 2007 and 2008 races were held in the Belgian circuit of Zolder...
, which brought together the top thirty-six F3 drivers in Europe from the Formula Three Euroseries
Formula Three Euroseries
The Formula 3 Euro Series is a European-based junior single seater formula for Formula Three chassis that was launched in 2003 as a merger of the French Formula Three Championship and German Formula Three Championship...
, British
British Formula Three Championship
The British Formula Three Championship is an international motor racing series that takes place primarily in the United Kingdom with a small number of events in mainland Europe. It is a junior-level feeder formula that uses small single seater Formula Three chassis. Its current official title is...
, German
German Formula Three Championship
The German Formula Three Championship – currently titled the ATS Formel 3 Cup – is Germany's national Formula Three series. In the hierarchy of motor racing formulae, Formula Three is placed between national Formula Renault and championships such as GP2...
, Spanish and Italian
Italian Formula Three Championship
The Italian Formula Three Championship is the Formula Three racing competition in Italy.-History:Formula Three has traditionally been regarded as the first major stepping stone for F1 hopefuls - it is typically the first point in a driver's career at which most drivers in the series are aiming at...
F3 championships.